Study Title
The Effectiveness of School-Based Interventions on Obesity-Related Behaviours in Primary School Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Principal Investigator
Sarah Nally, Angela Carlin, Nicole E. Blackburn, Judith S. Baird, Jo Salmon, Marie H. Murphy, Alison M. Gallagher
Affiliation
Centre for Exercise Medicine, Physical Activity and Health, Sports and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, UK; Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, UK; Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Australia
Start Date
Not specified
End Date
Not specified
Study Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of school-based interventions in changing obesity-related behaviours (increased physical activity, decreased sedentary behaviour, and improved nutrition) and their impact on BMI/BMI z-scores in primary school children.
Short Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 48 studies, including 37 in the meta-analysis, to assess school-based interventions targeting obesity-related behaviours. The results showed a small positive impact on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), a significant reduction in BMI z-score, but no significant effect on sedentary behaviour, energy intake, and fruit/vegetable intake. The study calls for more research on effective intervention components.
Study Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-randomised controlled trials (cRCTs)
Population
Primary school children aged 5 to 12 years
Sample Size
48 studies involving a total of 46,235 children
Inclusion Criteria
- Children aged 5–12 years attending primary school
- Interventions lasting at least 12 weeks
- Targeting at least two measures of BMI and/or obesity-related behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, nutrition)
- RCTs or cRCTs with a control or comparison group
Exclusion Criteria
- Children with medical conditions affecting weight status, eating disorders, or chronic illnesses
- Non-school-based studies (e.g., community, home, or clinical settings)
Intervention/Exposure
- Multi-component interventions targeting physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and nutrition
- Single-component interventions targeting physical activity or nutrition
Outcome Measures
- Change in BMI/BMI z-score
- Changes in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and nutrition behaviour (fruit and vegetable intake, energy intake)
Funding Source
Not specified
Collaborating Institutions
University of Ulster, Deakin University
Ethics Approval
Not specified
Publication Status
Published in Children (2021)
Keywords
School-based interventions, obesity, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, nutrition, primary school children, BMI
Data Collection Methods
Systematic search across Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2009 to December 2020
Primary Data Availability
Not applicable
Contact Information
Sarah Nally: